1.For the purpose of promoting peace and security and in line with the European Security Strategy, the Union shall pursue the following objectives:
(a)to promote improved controls on arms exports by third countries in accordance with the principles set out in Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, and seek complementarity and synergies with Union assistance projects in the field of export controls on dual-use goods;
(b)to support third countries’ efforts at national and regional levels to render trade in conventional weapons more responsible and transparent.
2.The Union shall pursue the objectives referred to in paragraph 1 through the following project activities:
(a)continuing to promote, among third countries, the criteria and principles of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, based on the achievements reached through the implementation of Decision 2009/1012/CFSP and Joint Action 2008/230/CFSP;
(b)assisting third countries in drafting, updating, and implementing, as appropriate, relevant legislative and administrative measures aiming at establishing an effective system of conventional arms export controls;
(c)assisting countries in the training of licensing and enforcement officers to ensure adequate implementation and enforcement of arms export controls;
(d)promoting transparency and responsibility in international arms trade, including through support to national and regional measures to promote transparency and appropriate scrutiny in the exports of conventional weapons;
(e)encouraging third countries to support the elaboration and implementation of a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty establishing international common standards for the global trade in conventional arms.
A detailed description of the project activities referred to in this paragraph is set out in the Annex.
1.The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (hereinafter ‘High Representative’), shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
2.The technical implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by BAFA.
3.BAFA shall perform its tasks under the responsibility of the High Representative. For this purpose, the High Representative shall enter into necessary arrangements with BAFA.
1.The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 1 860 000.
2.The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the Union’s budget.
3.The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with BAFA. The agreement shall stipulate that BAFA is to ensure the visibility of the Union contribution, appropriate to its size.
4.The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.
The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by BAFA. These reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the implementation of the project activities as referred to in Article 1(2).
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
It shall expire 24 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3), or six months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.
Done at Brussels, 19 November 2012.
For the Council
The President
C. Ashton